2017 NCAA Tournament: Ranking the entire field of 68

Mar 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) and guard Jalen Brunson (1) celebrate after Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) scored against St. John's Red Storm during second half of Big East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. Villanova Wildcats defeated St. John's Red Storm 108-67.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 25, 2017; Moraga, CA, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels center Jock Landale (34) sits along the sideline as he waits to enter the game against the Santa Clara Broncos during the second half at McKeon Pavilion. The Gaels defeated the Broncos 70-56. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Teams ranked 24 to 21

24. Saint Mary’s Gaels

Record: 28-4 (16-2 WCC)

Seed: 7 in the West

Saint Mary’s has had a very good season, but like other mid-majors, they have not shown the ability to beat an elite team. They had three chances against Gonzaga, but couldn’t get any of those victories. But really, Gonzaga is an awesome team and those losses are nothing to be ashamed of.

Playing VCU in the first round is a tough draw, and Arizona is also a tough two seed. Still, the Gaels bring a lot of talent and Jock Landale is a legitimate star when he’s not in foul trouble.

23. Cincinnati Bearcats

Record: 29-5 (16-2 American)

Seed: 6 in the South

This is a really good Cincinnati team. Their best win of the year is against SMU, but everybody on the team can score. If one guy has a rough night, somebody else can pick up the slack. The Bearcats have four guys who score in double figures and Troy Caupain is a do-it-all guard.

Their defense is tremendous and will likely carry them if they want to make a deep run. With UCLA as their potential second round opponent, can Cincy’s defense shut them down?

22. Virginia Cavaliers

Record: 22-10 (11-7 ACC)

Seed: 5 in the East

Arguably the best defensive team in the country, Tony Bennett once again has his Cavaliers in a good spot in March. Despite losing leading scorer Malcolm Brogdon from a year ago, London Perrantes has picked up his average to 12.5. Due to their slow pace and effective defensive play, the Cavaliers are 1st in scoring defense but just 313th in scoring offense.

The problem for Virginia is that they cannot fill up the basket. Their low offensive ranking is in large part due to pace, but they are not elite on that end of the ball. If a game gets away from their pace or the opponent is consistently knocking down tough shots, the Cavaliers can lose to anyone.

21. Purdue Boilermakers

Record: 25-7 (14-4 Big Ten)

Seed: 4 in the Midwest

Purdue is one of the few teams in the country who shoots over 40 percent from three on the season, and that starts with Caleb Swanigan. He is an elite big man who works both inside and out. Biggie shot 43.1 percent from three in the regular season and it a very difficult cover, averaging 18.5 points and 12.6 rebounds per contest.

Aside from Swanigan, Vince Edwards and Dakota Mathias are knockdown shooters who can bury huge three-pointers. And don’t forget about Isaac Haas, another towering figure in their lineup. Coach Matt Painter has the luxury of playing a lot of different rotations, but they get two tough draws if they want to reach the second weekend in Vermont and likely Iowa State.

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